Multi-functional ice cooler

ABSTRACT

A multi-functional ice cooler for storing items in a cool environment comprising: a first compartment; a second compartment; a divider between the first compartment and second compartment; a first lid for the first compartment, where said first lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the first lid includes a top surface where the top surface includes a mechanism for cutting, measuring and stabilizing small game; and a second lid for the second compartment, where said second lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the second lid includes at least one cup holder. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism for cutting, measuring and stabilizing includes at least one of a depth angle, a ruler extending along the depth angle and a cutting board. The second lid may also include an additional opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-functional and dual compartment ice cooler.

2. Description of Related Art

The ice cooler/ice chest is an insulated container that may be used to keep items cool. Normally ice cubes or another means of cooling provides a means to cool the internal environment within the ice cooler while the cooler lid remains shut. In addition to ice cubes, ice packs and various gel packs have been developed to place in coolers for cooling purposes. Furthermore, dry ice may also be used in ice coolers. Individuals on picnics or outdoor outings very often take coolers where the availability of refrigeration is not convenient or available. The ice cooler or chest allows the user to store items such as food, beverages and in some cases medicine in a cool environment and provides them a means to readily access the beverages or food when desired. Ice coolers and chests have been developed and are normally manufactured of plastics, foam or styrene foam. Many have handles, specially designed lids, shoulder straps, rollers or other means to transport and carry the ice cooler or chest.

One example of a multiple compartment cooler is U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,778 which discloses a portable cooler that has at least three storage compartments that comprise at least one ice cold storage compartment, a dry moderately cold storage compartment, and one dry noncold storage compartment. As noted above, the ice cooler o chest may be used in multiple areas and is usually used at picnics or outdoor outings. U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,643 discloses a combination portable cooler, a side-by-side seat gear equipment, food storage and transporting device. The device of the '643 patent discloses a means for seating, food storage, and storage of equipment or gear in one device.

The object of the present invention is to provide an insulated portable cooler with multiple compartments and separate lids wherein the lids provide additional practical features that are especially useful for the outdoorsman who may be involved in camping, fishing, or hunting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-functional ice cooler for storing items in a cool environment comprising: a first compartment; a second compartment; a divider between the first compartment and second compartment; a first lid for the first compartment, where said first lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the first lid includes a top surface where the top surface includes a means for cutting, measuring and stabilizing small game; and a second lid for the second compartment, where said second lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the second lid includes at least one cup holder. In one exemplary embodiment, the means for cutting, measuring and stabilizing includes at least one of a depth angle, a ruler extending along the depth angle and a cutting board. The second lid may also include an additional opening. At least one handle on at least one side of the cooler may be implemented to assist in transporting the cooler. The multi-functional ice cooler may also include drainage for both the first compartment and the second compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of the multi-function ice cooler according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the top view of the multi-function ice cooler according to present invention where the lids are in an open position.

FIG. 3A depicts a side view of the multi-function ice cooler according to present invention.

FIG. 3B depict a second side view of the multi-function ice cooler according to present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a multi-function ice cooler for use by outdoorsman and other individuals who may need storage capacity for transporting perishable goods or other items which are desired to remain cool. The present invention includes multiple features and multiple compartments to provide the user with various functions that will be useful when participating in outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, or hunting.

A top view of a multi-function ice cooler 100 is depicted in FIG. 1. The multi-function ice cooler 100 includes two lids 20 a, 20 b. Lid 20 a provides a cover for a first compartment 22 a and lid 20 b provides a lid for the second compartment 22 b. Compartments 22 a, 22 b are both clearly shown in FIG. 2.

The lids 20 a, 20 b shown in FIG. 1 are in a closed position and clearly depict the additional features provided on the top surfaces of the lids 20 a, 20 b. The top surface of lid 20 a may include a ruler 32 provided across the length thereof. The ruler 32 extends from one side of the lid surface area 20 a to the opposite side thereof. Adjacent to ruler 32, a cutting board 35 is provided where the cutting board 35 includes a drain 36 at one end thereof. The ruler 32 extends along one edge of a depth angle 34. The depth angle 34 provides a means for the insertion of fish, bait or other game that may be desired for measurement purposes. Although FIG. 1 provides one exemplary embodiment for the configuration of the ruler 32, depth angle 34 and cutting board 35 may be adjusted for various size lids provided on a various sizes and configurations of ice coolers.

The top surface of the lid 20 b includes a pair of cup holders 40 a, 40 b where one cup holder 40 a is positioned near the top edge of the lid 20 b and the opposing cup holder 40 b is provided at the lower edge of lid 20 b. A flat surfaced area is provided between the cup holders 40 a, 40 b for the insertion, placement or attachment of additional devices that might be suitable for an outdoorsman.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the ice cooler 100 is shown with lids 20 a, 20 b in an open position. Two separate compartments 22 a, 22 b are provided in the ice cooler 100. A divider 28 provides the two compartments 22 a, 22 b of the ice cooler 100. The features provided along the top surface of the lids 20 a, 20 b have been described above whereas the cutting board 35 is provided for cutting purposes which may be especially useful for fisherman or a hunter. And the measuring ruler 32 provides a means to measure the game that is captured by the hunter and fisherman. The two compartments 22 a, 22 b of the ice cooler 100 may be able to store food or beverages in one compartment and then place the captured game such as fish or other small game in the opposing compartment so that items remains cool and fresh until removed for storage or consumption.

The lids 20 a, 20 b are attached to the ice cooler 100 by way of hinges 12 a, 12 b shown clearly in FIG. 2. The hinges 12 a, 12 b allow the lids 20 a, 20 b to swing from a closed to an open position as desired. The ice cooler 100 also includes handles 37 a, 37 b on each side thereof as shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2. The handles 37 a, 37 b may be manufactured of a plastic or strong rope materials and provide a means of portability for the ice cooler 100. The ice cooler 100 further includes drainage for each compartment 22 a, 22 b near the bottom edge of the ice cooler 100, drainage 23 is provided for compartment 22 b and drainage 27 is provided for compartment 22 a. FIGS. 3A and 3B provide side views of the opposing sides of the ice cooler 100 and drainage outlets 23, 27 are shown below handles 25 a, 25 b. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the length of the ice cooler 100 is contemplated to be 48 inches long with a 15 inch depth and 24 inch width. In this particular embodiment, the first compartment is 36 inches long which coincides with the measuring ruler 32 provided on the top surface of lid 20 a. The cutting board provided along the top surface of lid 20 a may be about 30 inches in length. Further in another exemplary embodiment the second lid 20 b includes a top surface that provides an additional opening lid between the cup holders 40 a, 40 b.

The multi-function ice cooler 100 provides separate compartments with additional features useful for any outdoorsman, camper or otherwise. The multiple compartments of ice cooler 100 may prevent cross-contamination of food, stored fish or other wild game in a separate compartment. Also the top surface of the ice cooler 100 provides a means for cutting, measuring and stabilizing fish or other game while processing the game for storage. The instant invention has been shown and described in what it considers to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 

1. A multi-functional ice cooler for storing items in a cool environment comprising: a. a first compartment; b. a second compartment; c. a divider between the first compartment and second compartment; d. a first lid for the first compartment, where said first lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the first lid includes a top surface where the top surface includes a depth angle, a ruler extending along the depth angle and a cutting board; and e. a second lid for the second compartment, where said second lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the second lid includes at least one cup holder.
 2. The multi-functional ice cooler according to claim 1, where the second lid includes an additional opening.
 3. The multi-functional ice cooler according to claim 1, further including at least one handle on at least one side of the cooler.
 4. The multi-functional ice cooler according to claim 1, further including drainage for both the first compartment and the second compartment.
 5. A multi-functional ice cooler for storing items in a cool environment comprising: a. a first compartment; b. a second compartment; c. a divider between the first compartment and second compartment; d. a first lid for the first compartment, where said first lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the first lid includes a top surface where the top surface includes a means for cutting, measuring and stabilizing small game; and e. a second lid for the second compartment, where said second lid is hinged over the first compartment, where the second lid includes at least one cup holder.
 6. The multi-functional ice cooler according to claim 5, where said means for cutting, measuring and stabilizing includes at least one of a depth angle, a ruler extending along the depth angle and a cutting board.
 7. The multi-functional ice cooler according to claim 5, where the second lid includes an additional opening.
 8. The multi-functional ice cooler according to claim 5, further including at least one handle on at least one side of the cooler.
 9. The multi-functional ice cooler according to claim 5, further including drainage for both the first compartment and the second compartment. 